Moscow calling ...

With apologies for the quality of this interview, where technology between the UK and Russia wasn't always reliable, but this is nevertheless a great interview with an outstanding sax player, Igor Butman.

    We had a fascinating discussion about his music and the bridge he is constantly building between Moscow and New York. His new album - Only Now -  is available now. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I hope the two tracks I've included here give some indication of the quality you'll enjoy. And if you have ever considered a trip to Moscow, this time next year will be the time to go, when Igor is set to help celebrate 100 years of Russian jazz with a concert at the renowned Bolshoi Theatre on 1 October 2022.
 
    Thanks to Igor for allowing me to play extracts from Only Now alongside our conversation.

Another blast from my past

Another blast from my past - I discovered on interviewing guitarist Chris Standring that we were undoubtedly in the same room or on the same stage in the past.

    His album - Wonderful World -  is out now and it's a delightful collection of jazz standards accompanied by stunning strings.  We discussed my two favourite tracks - Green Dolphin Street and Autumn in New York - and it's great to play extracts from both to accompany our conversation. I hope you enjoy listening to our chat, especially as we deviate into name dropping our mutual friends.
 
    Thanks to Chris for allowing me to play extracts from Wonderful World alongside our conversation.

London to Brighton - done AGAIN

So, today I finished the London to Brighton bike ride for the second time. The first was in 1986, and I'm proud that I managed it again.

    Luckily, I had a great team alongside me and it was a lot of fun (apart from the rain, which descended as I approached the ride towards Ditchling Beacon!).

    Here's some proof that I was actually there.

On 'Love and Other Difficulties'

It was such a joy to interview singer Carmela Rappazzo for the latest episode of Harmonious World.

    Love and Other Difficulties is a wonderful album (including pianist Oscar Rossignoli, who was a guest on episode 69) and it was a pleasure to discuss it and New Orleans in general with Carmela.

    Thanks to Carmela for allowing me to play extracts from Love and Other Difficulties alongside our conversation.

'Spirit of Cinema' - out soon

This latest episode of Harmonious World features composer, arranger and sometime keys and bass player Sacha Puttnam.

    Out shortly is Sacha's album Spirit of Cinema with the Classic Film Orchestra. This is a superb collection of Sacha's compositions that pay homage to just a few of David Puttnam's superb films. This was a great conversation - there's a lot to learn about Sacha's approach to music.
 
    Thanks to Sacha for allowing me to play extracts from Spirit of Cinema alongside our conversation.